Tractor trailer failed to keep rig under control, suit claims

A man has filed suit against the driver of a tractor trailer who he claims collided with his vehicle while attempting to make a left-hand turn.

Patrick Scannell claims he was riding in a vehicle Joseph Timko was driving at the intersection of Illinois Route 3 and Bissell Street when defendant Thomas C. Karner, who was driving a tractor trailer for defendant Mr. Bult's, attempted to make a left-hand turn. While executing the turn, Karner hit the vehicle in which Scannell was riding, according to the complaint filed Aug. 31 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Because of the collision, Scannell suffered serious and permanent injuries to his head, neck, left arm and left hand. In addition, he sustained a concussion, a left orbital fracture and fractures in his left hand, the suit states.

Due to his injuries, Scannell incurred $11,291.63 in medical costs; lost mobility; experienced pain, suffering and mental anguish; lost his wages and his earning capacity; and lost the pleasures and enjoyment of his life, the complaint says.

Scannell blames Karner for causing the collision, saying he negligently drove too fast, failed to keep a proper lookout, failed to warn of his impending approach, failed to make a left-hand turn at the intersection, failed to keep his tractor trailer under control and failed to drive on the right half of the road.

In his two-count complaint, Scannell is seeking a judgment of more than $100,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Julia M. Kerr of Brown and Crouppen in St. Louis will be representing him.

Madison County Circuit Court case number: 11-L-866.